South Dakota Residents Raise $97,350 for Feeding South Dakota as Part of Walmart’s “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” Campaign

With the support of South Dakota residents, the national campaign generated more than $19.8 million for Feeding America and its national network of food banks

Statewide, SD (August 15, 2017) – Walmart announced that South Dakota residents generated a total of $97,350 for Feeding South Dakota to help fight hunger in South Dakota. Walmart’s “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign encouraged people across the nation to take action against hunger and help families in need through simple acts of support online, in-store purchases and donations. Nationwide, the campaign raised more than $19.8 million to support Feeding America and its nationwide network of food banks.

Working with Discover card and five suppliers, Campbell Soup Company, General Mills, Kellogg Company, The Kraft Heinz Company and PepsiCo – the “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign called on the public to take action and help fight hunger from April 17 – May 15, 2017 by sharing campaign messages via social media, donating to local Feeding America food banks in-store at the Walmart register or purchasing select products that triggered a donation.

According to the USDA, one in eight Americans, including 13 million children, currently struggle with hunger, and the problem affects every community across the United States. Here in South Dakota, one in every eight[1] people face hunger.

“We thank all those who took part in the “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign and helped provide meals for individuals who are in need within our own communities,” said Matt Gassen, CEO of Feeding South Dakota. “Most people think to donate to food banks during the holiday season, but thanks to the “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign we can address this issue during the spring and summer months when donations are often lowest. We’re delighted with this year’s campaign results and the funds we receive will help us provide nearly 390,000 meals to the more than 190,000 individuals we serve in South Dakota.”

“This campaign is a great example of our long-standing commitment to hunger relief and our dedication to ensuring that families have access to affordable, nutritious and sustainably grown food,” said Kathleen McLaughlin, president of the Walmart Foundation and chief sustainability officer for Walmart. “Together with Feeding America, our suppliers and customers, we continue to work in the communities we serve to make a real difference for those who are struggling with hunger.”

The ‘’Fight Hunger. Spark Change.’’ campaign is part of Walmart’s larger commitment to provide meals to those in need, helping ensure every family has access to affordable, nutritious and sustainably-grown food. In October 2014, Walmart announced a commitment to create a more sustainable food system, with a focus on improving the affordability of food by lowering the “true cost” of food for both customers and the environment, increasing access to food, making healthier eating easier, and improving the safety and transparency of the food chain. This commitment includes a goal of providing four billion meals to those in need in the U.S. by 2020.

For more information about how Feeding South Dakota is fighting hunger in across the state, visit www.feedingsouthdakota.org.

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About Feeding South Dakota

Feeding South Dakota, whose mission is to eliminate hunger in South Dakota, is the state’s largest charitable hunger relief organization. In FY17, Feeding South Dakota secured and distributed over 13.6 million pounds of quality nutritious donated and purchased food providing 11.3 million meals to more than 190,000 individuals in need. Feeding South Dakota is able to distribute this food from our distribution centers in Sioux Falls, Pierre and Rapid City through its network of over 400 charitable organizations, supporting over 555 partner agency programs across the state. These organizations then provide this food to individuals who are “food insecure” through youth programs, senior centers, on-site feeding programs, emergency food pantries, after school programs, and homeless shelters. For more information on Feeding South Dakota, please visit www.feedingsouthdakota.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

About Feeding America

Feeding America is the nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 46 million people through 60,000 food pantries and meal programs in communities across America. Feeding America also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

About Walmart

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, over 260 million customers and members visit our 11,695 stores under 59 banners in 28 countries and e-commerce websites in 11 countries. With fiscal year 2017 revenue of $485.9 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.3 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart.

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My wife is working full-time and is going to school to earn her bachelor's degree in social work. A few months ago I quit my full-time job of eight years to take on a very part-time low-paying job so I could watch my kids while my wife is at work and at school. We do the best we can to keep up with life and the BackPack is immensely helpful.

Parent, BackPack Recipient

Making sure we eat healthy food is my biggest challenge. I really appreciate the produce we get here.

Judy, Partner Agency Guest

I just moved back to Sioux Falls with little money. Our car was stolen then trashed. We've been living in hotels and staying with friends. EBT only goes so far between all of us. These BackPacks have helped tremendously with our food situation. Thank you very much!

Parent, BackPack Recipient

We have a big family to feed. Besides our two children, I also have custody of my younger brother and sister. It means a lot to us to get a basket of food when we come here.

Adriana, Pantry Guest

I am a 27-year-old single mother of one girl. I am a full-time worker but I still struggle financially at times. I don't receive child support at all due to the father being incarcerated. This is the third year we've received a food bag and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

Parent, BackPack Recipient

I was living in my car when a police officer told me about Bishop Dudley House. Today, I don't take the fact that I have a warm place to sleep and a meal for granted.

Alfredo, Partner Agency Guest

We are a family of five living on a single income. We get some assistance from DSS, but it is not enough to feed our family for the whole month. The Food bags the kids bring home each Friday are an enormous help. These bags ensure the kids have enough to eat each week. It would be very difficult to stretch our food budget without the help of these food bags.

Parent, BackPack Recipient

I have a job as a supervisor at a fast food restaurant. Right now I'm on maternity leave, so I don't have a paycheck coming in. We're trying to get through a bad time financially and do get help with food stamps, but it's not enough to get us through. During times when food gets low, it means a lot to be able to come here and get food. Thank you!

Sage, Pantry Guest

A few days ago my mom came to the food pantry and volunteered. I was running low on food and she told me I should come down here and check it out. I was surprised by how much food I got! This place is awesome!

Brianna, Pantry Guest

I make too much to get food stamps, so when things get tight, I can come to the food pantry. The groceries I get there usually last about a week and help me get by.

Barb, Pantry Guest

It felt so good to go home with a basket of food and know my kids were happy. As a mother, that's all you care about. When you see your kids tearing through food you bring home, that's satisfaction.